In Atmeh's Olive Tree Camp, near the Reyhanli border crossing in Turkey's Hatay Province, many of the residents left their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Good basic personal hygiene and hand washing are critical to help prevent the spread of illness and disease, and providing basic hygiene supplies and education was identified as a priority in the camp.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) -- through an international non governmental organization -- began distributions of family hygiene kits in the camp in October 2012. Each kit includes two towels, toothpaste and toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, and feminine pads. USAID also provided two water containers and buckets to store and transport clean water to tents and makeshift homes.

"When people are running away from war and destruction, they think less about hygiene and keeping the children clean," says one Syrian mother. "I like the items that my family got, because we now have things that we can use and are of a help to us as a unit."

To further improve hygiene in the camp, USAID funding also repaired the water pump, established water trucking, and constructed a septic system that supports 60 latrines, with 100 more in the construction process. In addition, USAID also established 120 garbage collection points and established trash removal services in the camp.

These hygiene programs are in addition to medical and other assistance USAID is providing to Syrians in the Olive Tree Camp.

Comments

Comments

AlFetah

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District Of Columbia, USA

February 22, 2013

AlFetah in Washington, D.C. writes:

If you weren't so insistent on overthrowing the Assad regime, this wouldn't have happened. Tell Qatar and Saudi Arabia to quit arming the foreign backed rebels, so that the Syrian Arab Army can end their operation.

home s.

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Australia

February 25, 2013

H.S. in Australia writes:

I have read your post I think it is very important post for anyone blogger of world.

I hope in future you will write another blog post and share with us.Than you for your post.

Mari

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United States

February 26, 2013

Mari in the U.S.A. writes:

I agree with AlFetah. First you displace them, then you lecture them on hygiene. That goes beyond patronizing, all the way to humiliating.